Teej is a vibrant and cherished celebration honoring the divine marriage of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva that is mostly observed in Nepal and North India. The festival, known by three different names, Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej, and Hartalika Teej, celebrates the start of the monsoon season. Each name has a separate mythology and meaning. It's a time to pray for the health of husbands, prospective husbands, and family members as well as to celebrate the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. This is a day full of colorful celebrations, customs, and rituals that stand for rebirth, love, and optimism. Here’s a glimpse into the story behind this auspicious celebration.
The word Teej itself means “third,” signifying the third day after the new moon when the festival begins. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king Himalaya, was deeply devoted to Shiva. Despite Shiva's initial resistance, Parvati carried out a severe confession to win his heart. She performed difficult austerities and fasts for many lifetimes, showing her undying commitment, dedication and love.
Her devotion was so intense that she reincarnated on earth for 108 lifetimes, each time enduring hardships and making sacrifices to win Shiva's affection. Her tireless efforts and dedication paid off when Shiva eventually acknowledged her as his bride, signifying the victory of faith and love. Women pray to the glorious couple on this day in hopes of receiving blessings for a long, peaceful, and happy marriage.
Teej is a colorful festival day rather than only a religious holiday. Women wake up early in the morning, take showers and adorn themselves in traditional red and green attire, a symbol of the festival. Their festive appearance is enhanced by bangles, henna drawings on their hands and feet, and a full Shringara (16 adornments). Mehendi has a special position in the festivities since it is said that the deeper the color, the deeper a husband and wife's love.
The day is filled with joyous activities, from swinging on beautifully decorated jhoolas (swings) to singing folk songs in groups. An essential component of the celebration, the swings, which are frequently suspended from banyan trees, represent the joyful, carefree nature of the time of year. An atmosphere of festivity and togetherness is created by women sharing stories of Shiva and Parvati, dancing with their friends, and singing traditional songs.
Teej is rooted in devotion, demonstrated by the observation of the nirjala vrata, a strict fast during which married women avoid eating and drinking for the entire day. Women fast during this time with the deepest sincerity and devotion, hoping for their husbands' long lives and good health. Girls who are single also observe the fast in the hopes of being fortunate enough to have a devoted and kind partner, much like Lord Shiva.
The auspicious Brahma Muhurat, which begins before sunrise, is when the pooja rituals take place. In addition to offering flowers, fruits, incense, and specialty sweets like ghevar, women often clean their temples and place idols or representations of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. The pooja concludes with an aarti performed in honor of the gods and the chanting of the Teej Katha, which tells the tale of Parvati's unwavering patience and devotion.
Teej is a time to establish family ties as well as a celebration for ladies. Married ladies often get invited back to their parents' houses, when their moms and mothers-in-law shower them with cosmetics, jewelry, and clothing as gifts. These objects, called sindhara, are given and received as symbols of affection and deference.
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The festival is incomplete without traditional sweets. Ghevar, a delicious honeycomb-like dessert topped with kheer, cream, and dry fruits, is the star of the occasion. Other delicacies like jalebi, shakkar para, aalu achaar, kheer, puri which is often called as “dar”are prepared and shared among family members and neighbors.
Teej is a celebration of affection, loyalty, and the unbreakable relationship between a husband and wife rather than just a day of ceremonies. It is an event that creates lifelong memories by uniting women in happiness, laughter, and devotion. Just as the rains bring hope for a plentiful harvest, women express their hopes for a happy and prosperous future via prayers, fasting, and celebration.
Photo Credit; Blog- Foodmandu, Moneycontrol, Learn religious, Altitude Himalayan, Visits Nepal
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